An association local governments the UK, called the LGA, has warned consumers about the use some skin-lightening creams. The LGA discovered that some the whitening cosmetics they tested contained banned ingredients and were thus illegal. However, they were available purchase UK stores. An LGA spokesperson said these ingredients could pose a serious threat to consumers' health. He said there has been an increase the number users experiencing health problems using the creams. These include seizures, rashes and scarring. The spokesperson said the creams could increase the risk skin cancer, and liver and kidney damage.
The global skin-lightening industry is booming. 2017, it was valued an estimated $4.8 billion and is forecast to nearly double to around $8.9 billion the next decade. Many people use it to reduce the darkness the color of their skin. The LGA warned that "rogue retailers" were selling illegal skin-lightening lotions which the label incorrectly listed the ingredients and omitted the illegal substances. The LGA said some illegal ingredients acted paint stripper and could burn the top layer skin. It said: "Skin creams containing banned ingredients are very dangerous and could seriously damage your health, scar you life and even kill you, so they should be avoided all costs."
